Belgium 3-0 Ukraine: Lukaku Inspires Dramatic Nations League Comeback.

Belgium vs Ukraine (3-0) | 2025 Nations League | Match Highlights.

            Belgium produced a stunning comeback to secure a 3-0 victory over Ukraine in the second leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion-relegation play-off, overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate.

The Red Devils, who were on the brink of relegation to League B, delivered a masterclass in resilience and attacking football to keep their place in the top tier of the Nations League. Romelu Lukaku was the hero of the night, scoring a brace, while Maxim De Cuyper opened the floodgates with a crucial goal. The victory not only saved Belgium from humiliation but also laid the foundation for a new era under manager Rudi Garcia.

Match Report: Belgium 3-0 Ukraine (Agg. 4-3)
First Half: A Tense Battle

The first half was a tense affair, with both teams aware of the high stakes. Ukraine, holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, set up defensively to protect their lead. Belgium, on the other hand, dominated possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Ukrainian defense. Andriy Lunin, Ukraine’s goalkeeper, was in fine form, making several key saves to deny the hosts.

Belgium’s best chance of the half came in the 35th minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s inch-perfect cross found Romelu Lukaku, whose powerful header was brilliantly saved by Lunin. Despite their dominance, Belgium went into the break frustrated, knowing they needed at least two more goals to turn the tie around.

Second Half: The Comeback Begins

The second half saw Belgium ramp up the pressure, and their persistence finally paid off in the 70th minute. Jeremy Doku, who had been a constant threat on the left wing, delivered a precise low cross into the box, which Maxim De Cuyper met with a first-time finish to give Belgium the lead. The goal ignited the crowd at the Cegeka Arena and breathed new life into the Belgian team.

With the momentum firmly in their favor, Belgium continued to push forward. Just ten minutes later, Romelu Lukaku doubled their lead with a spectacular volley. De Bruyne, once again the architect, delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Lukaku connected perfectly to send the ball crashing into the net. The goal leveled the aggregate score at 3-3, but Belgium still needed another to avoid relegation.

Lukaku Seals the Deal

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Lukaku struck again to complete his brace and send Belgium into ecstasy. A quick counterattack saw Doku release Lukaku with a perfectly weighted pass, and the striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past Lunin to make it 3-0 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the players and fans, as Belgium completed a remarkable turnaround.

Key Moments and Highlights

70’ – GOAL! Maxim De Cuyper (Belgium 1-0 Ukraine):
Jeremy Doku’s pace and precision on the left wing created the opening, and De Cuyper’s composed finish broke the deadlock.

80’ – GOAL! Romelu Lukaku (Belgium 2-0 Ukraine):
Kevin De Bruyne’s delivery from the right was met by Lukaku, who volleyed home in stunning fashion.

85’ – GOAL! Romelu Lukaku (Belgium 3-0 Ukraine):
Lukaku’s second goal of the night sealed the comeback, as he calmly finished a counterattack to send Belgium through.

Key Saves by Andriy Lunin:
Despite the defeat, Lunin was outstanding for Ukraine, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the tie for as long as possible.

Post-Match Reactions
Rudi Garcia: Building for the Future

Belgium’s manager, Rudi Garcia, was understandably delighted with the result and praised his team’s character. Reflecting on the first-leg defeat, Garcia emphasized that the issue was not a lack of effort but a crisis of confidence. He said:

"It wasn't a mentality problem. It was a trust problem. I gave them confidence by telling them that they are individually and collectively quality players. I have also learned a little Dutch and said it in the dressing room: 'We did it'. A good foundation has now been laid. I think we can get far with that. We are now starting the World Cup qualifiers to win all the games, so that we do not have to work in the play-offs of March 2026."

Garcia’s impact since taking over in January has been evident, and this victory could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Belgian football.

Romelu Lukaku: The Hero of the Night

Lukaku, who scored two crucial goals, was instrumental in Belgium’s comeback. Speaking after the match, he said:

"This was a night to remember. We knew it would be tough, but we believed in ourselves. The fans were incredible, and we fought until the end. This is just the start for us. We have a lot of work to do, but tonight showed what we are capable of."

Ukraine’s Disappointment

For Ukraine, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. After a dominant performance in the first leg, they were unable to hold on to their advantage. Manager Serhiy Rebrov acknowledged Belgium’s quality but rued his team’s missed opportunities:

"We had our chances, but we didn’t take them. Belgium showed why they are one of the best teams in the world. It’s disappointing, but we will learn from this and come back stronger."

Tactical Analysis

Belgium’s victory was a testament to their tactical flexibility and attacking prowess. Garcia’s decision to start Jeremy Doku on the left wing paid dividends, as his pace and creativity caused constant problems for Ukraine’s defense. Kevin De Bruyne’s ability to dictate play from midfield was also crucial, while Lukaku’s physical presence and finishing ability proved decisive.

Ukraine, on the other hand, will regret their inability to capitalize on their first-leg advantage. Their defensive approach in the second leg backfired, as they were unable to withstand Belgium’s relentless pressure in the final 20 minutes.

Player Ratings
Belgium

Thibaut Courtois (GK): 7/10 – Solid when called upon.

Timothy Castagne (RB): 7/10 – Reliable defensively and supported attacks well.

Wout Faes (CB): 7.5/10 – Composed and dominant in the air.

Jan Vertonghen (CB): 7/10 – Experience shone through in crucial moments.

Maxim De Cuyper (LB): 8/10 – Scored the opener and was energetic throughout.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM): 9/10 – The heartbeat of the team. Provided two assists.

Amadou Onana (CM): 7/10 – Worked tirelessly in midfield.

Jeremy Doku (LW): 8.5/10 – A constant threat. Set up the first goal.

Romelu Lukaku (ST): 9.5/10 – Two goals and a match-winning performance.

Leandro Trossard (RW): 7/10 – Worked hard but lacked end product.
Ukraine

Andriy Lunin (GK): 8/10 – Made several key saves but couldn’t stop the onslaught.

Oleksandr Karavaev (RB): 6/10 – Struggled to contain Doku.

Mykola Matviyenko (CB): 6.5/10 – Solid but overwhelmed in the second half.

Illia Zabarnyi (CB): 6/10 – Couldn’t handle Lukaku’s physicality.

Vitaliy Mykolenko (LB): 6.5/10 – Defended well but offered little going forward.

Taras Stepanenko (CM): 6/10 – Worked hard but was overrun in midfield.

Mykola Shaparenko (CM): 6.5/10 – Tried to create but lacked support.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (CM): 7/10 – Ukraine’s best outfield player. Tried to drive the team forward.

Viktor Tsygankov (RW): 6/10 – Quiet and ineffective.

Artem Dovbyk (ST): 6/10 – Isolated and starved of service.

Mykhailo Mudryk (LW): 6.5/10 – Showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t influence the game.

Belgium’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine was a night to remember for the Red Devils and their fans. The comeback not only saved them from relegation but also signaled a new beginning under Rudi Garcia. With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Belgium will look to build on this performance and aim for greater heights. For Ukraine, it’s a case of regrouping and learning from the experience as they prepare for their next challenge.